Table of Contents

Meditation and the real you 2

Dying in right-mindfulness 4
What is the Bardo and why this new form? 5
The art of dying through meditation 9
The benefits of OSHO Bardo 10
Who is OSHO Bardo for? 11
The recorded text and your process 12
How to use the recording 15
How not to use the recording 16
Introducing OSHO Bardo to another person 17
About Maneesha and Sudheer 20
The OSHO Sammasati workshops 22
About Osho & the Osho International Meditation Resort 24
Suggested reading 26

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Meditation and the real you
Relaxing and letting go of all activity, even thinking and feeling,
is something we all welcome and enjoy. Remember that feeling
of lying on the beach after a swim, or hanging out in a hammock
with your eyes closed, just listening to the birds?
We can enter a different, deeper dimension of being when we
intentionally move even further from the world of doing. In this
space, time has no meaning and there is a sense of lightness and
expansion. Still relaxed and yet totally present and fully aware, we
are entering meditation.
Before, we had thought of ourselves as individuals defined
by certain characteristics, roles and beliefs. Now there is the
recognition that, This is the real me: I feel at homevast, full of Mindfulness is the translation
light, joyful, and in harmony with all that is. of a Buddhist term, sammasati.
When we loosen our attachment to physical and mental activity, Samma means right
we can see life in a whole new way. Then even in our everyday and sati can mean mindfulness,
life we can recall that experience of who we really are. This can mean remembrance, can mean reflection,
remembering is known as right-mindfulness, right-remembering can mean re-collectedness, can mean presence.
or sammasati.
(Osho: Walk without Feet, Fly without
Wings and Think without Mind)

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Dying in right-mindfulness
There is the same potential for sammasati in the letting-go
process that is called dying. Then, too, when we remember
our essential selves we can disidentify from all that keeps us
tethered to our small selves. Free, we can recognise ourselves as
vastness, light and joy. Then dying is not something to be feared
but welcomed, even celebrated an opportunity to let go, like a
wave returning to the ocean.
Your life will end in death. Unless you realise the inner light
you cannot know the deathless, because your life is just a
phenomenon; it is not the base. It is just a phenomenon, a wave
a wave on the ocean of light. It will go! If you can penetrate
through it to the deeper realm of light you will know that which is
immortal, which cannot die because only light cannot die, only
light is immortal.
(Osho: The Ultimate Alchemy)
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What is the Bardo and why this new form?
Over two thousand years ago Tibetan Buddhists created a practice
of dying and being reborn. Central to this is the scripture called
the Bardo Thdol Liberation in the Intermediate State through
Hearing (The Tibetan Book of the Dead). The term, bardo, means
a transitional time, and as such it is a time of a heightened potential
for inner transformation. Meditation is used as a method to enter this
Intermediate State consciously and so become free of attachments.
Traditionally, the Bardo Thdol was read by a Tibetan lama to a person
as they were dying and even after their death with the understanding
that our ability to hear continues for some time after our physical death.
It guides the listener through what Tibetan Buddhism teaches are
various stages that the consciousness enters once it leaves the body
and up to the point of either liberation or rebirth.
The greatest thing to learn is not to hold onto anything: to your love, to
your joy, to your body or to your health. If something is available, enjoy it.
When it disappears, let it disappear with gratitude gratitude for all that it
has been and with no complaint.
You will know the greatest joys of both life and death, of both being and
non-being.
(Osho The Dhammapada: The Way of the Buddha, Volume 7)
Osho praises the Bardo Thdol as Tibets most valuable contribution to The Osho vision is unique in adding the dimension of joy and laughter
the world. However, he also says that a more contemporary version of to the peace and silence of meditation. Life and death are accepted as
the Bardo, or a process like it, is needed. part of one process: when we accept and rejoice in life, we can also
The Bardo Thdol was created for a specific time, culture, and religion accept and celebrate in death. The view that underpins OSHO Bardo is
and for people for whom the practice of meditation was intrinsic to daily that death is the crescendo of life and that being free of the constraints
living. of the body and mind is the ultimate ecstasy.
Oshos vision is global, encompassing the diversity of those who are new
to meditation as well as contemporary and even future meditators. This
is reflected in the text of OSHO Bardo, with its easily understandable
suggestions that are free of any cultural or religious references. If you accept and welcome death and there is no complaint rather,
In designing this new Bardo we acknowledge each persons unique you are happy and celebrating that the moment has come.... Now I can
experience of life and death. So, rather than providing specific directions jump out of this body, which is a limitation.
for the time beyond the moment of death, we have chosen to use Oshos If you welcome death, if it is such a celebration, an ecstasy, if it is
approach, which is outlined in his saying: a benediction, then you need not become unconscious. If it is a
benediction you will become perfectly conscious in that moment.
One is going on another adventure unknown. I dont give any ideas of (Osho: No Water, No Moon)
what is going to happen after death, because that is absolutely wrong,
destructive. It is as if I loved a movie and I tell you the whole story of the
movie, and then tell you I have brought a ticket for you, go and see it! I
have destroyed it already; what is the point of you seeing it?
I give people the ticket, but I dont tell them what is going to happen.
That, they have to discover on their own.
(Osho: The Last Testament, Volume 1)
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To benefit from OSHO Bardo you dont need to wait for the final
moments of death; regularly practising the process can create
this freedom in your life and at the same time dispel the fear of
death.
Osho Bardo is a meditation, and the metaphysical dying or
letting go that happens when we move into meditation is similar
in many ways to a physical death. Meditation is a way to rehearse
and so become more at ease with the process of dying before
it actually happens.
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The art of dying through meditation
In dying, as in meditating, we can
Shift from the outer world to the inner
Relax, letting go of all tension
Move from doing to being
Let go of all the various roles with which we have been identified
Enter our own journey, however many other people might be
around us
We can utilise the moments that are available
before death for our awakening. Meditation is
a technique used to that effect.
(Osho: And Now, And Here)
The benefits of OSHO Bardo
When Osho Bardo is a regular practice, many benefits can be felt:
A sense of freshness and rejuvenation
More relaxation in daily life, less stressed in work and
relationships
Being more present to the moment, with a sense of openness,
love and joy
A diminishing or even disappearance of fear
Recognising yourself, at the deepest core of your being, as
consciousness
Experiencing the truth that everything in life comes and goes.
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Who is OSHO Bardo for?
Osho Bardo can be used by anyone, of any or no religious or
spiritual affiliation. It is for:
Anyone who would like to live and die consciously
Anyone who would like to be able to relax while remaining present
and alert
Anyone who has a fear around living or dying
Those already familiar with meditation as well as those who would
like to learn how to meditate
Carers of those who are ill or dying
Witnessing is your nature, your very nature. In meditation, when you
are witnessing you are, by and by, without your knowing it, dispelling
unconsciousness. A moment comes when your whole being is full of
consciousness. This is witnessing.
When life was there, you witnessed life. Death is nothing new: death
is only an object, just as life was an object. If you have learned how to
witness, there is no question of being afraid. You will be a witness in
your death too.
(Osho Yakusan: Straight to the Point of Enlightenment)
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The recorded text and your process
Oshos talks on meditation and on conscious dying provide the
foundation for Osho Bardo. His approach requires no beliefs or
doctrines; it is experiential and respects the uniqueness of each
individuals journey.
My whole approach is that of existential experience. I would like
you to experience on your own. I am not saying to you, Believe
that there is no death. I am simply expressing and sharing my
experience that there is no death.
It is not an effort to convince you. It is a challenge to come and
explore.
(Osho The Dhammapada: The Way of the Buddha, Volume 5)
The intention behind the words and phrases used in OSHO Bardo
is to support us in moving into a state of inner wakefulness while
remaining deeply relaxed. In this state we can observe our own
body and mind and so can come to really know ourselves.
Specially created music, particular wording, repetition (for
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example, the word sammasati is repeated at intervals), and the
combination of a male and a female voice are all used to help the
listener remain conscious even as letting go deepens.
The process begins with a gentle invitation to consciously relax
your body, your breathing, and your mind. This is followed by the
suggestion repeated throughout the meditation that whatever is
happening, you will be able to remember that you are only a witness.
Sammasati. Right-remembering.
As you let go and move deeper inside you may begin to see the life
that you have known as dreamlike. You are reminded that only the
dream is dying, not you that, as you go deeper and perhaps enter
darkness, to take courage and to continue moving inwards; that by
and by you may notice how the darkness becomes lightthat you
are that lightthat you are oceanic.
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At the end of the process, there are suggestions for bringing your
meditation to a close, such as taking some deep breaths, opening
your eyes, and sitting up. Alternatively, if you want to continue
your meditation on your own you can ignore these suggestions.
At the end of the meditation there are three gongs.
You might find that the deep relaxation you experience during
the process results in your attention sometimes drifting off. For
example, maybe it returns as you hear the narrators voices
guiding you on or you wake up in your own time. This is not a
problem. To help you to stay awake during the process you can
choose to sit rather than lie down. In addition, having a fragrance
like wintergreen in the room can have a stimulating effect.
Clean yourself of the past each moment.
Die to the known so that you become
available to the unknown. With dying and
being reborn each moment you will be able to
live life and you will be able to live death also.
(Osho: And the Flowers Showered)
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How to use the recording
Sit or lie down in a place where you will be undisturbed and make
yourself comfortable. With your eyes closed, listen to the process
attentively.
The CD comprises 2 tracks, totalling 45 minutes. The first track
features a short introduction. Once you are familiar with the process
you can go directly to Track 2.
You can use OSHO Bardo as a regular, even daily practice, so that
you become more and more familiar with the space of sammasati, or
right-mindfulness.
The more often you hear the CD, the more familiar it will become.
Eventually you may not need the CD to move into this meditation.
With practice, it is possible to remain relaxed and aware in any
circumstances.
Voluntarily letting go, in right-mindfulness, can become a loved
space, a space that is welcomed; a space that both in living and in
dying can be entered with trust and joy.
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How not to use the recording
Important
The method set out is not intended to replace the services of a
physician, therapist, or psychiatrist, nor to provide an alternative
to any needed professional medical treatment. We offer no
medical diagnosis of, or treatment for, any specific medical or
psychological issue you may have.OSHO Bardo is a meditation
and relaxation method. It deals in part with personal preparation
for a natural death which, according to Osho, is the ultimate
relaxation and let-go experience. As such some may experience
fear or other emotional issues or memories.Anyone unprepared
for or unwilling or unable to deal with such issues should refrain
from participating in this program and/or may wish to consult
their physician or appropriate health-care practitioner before
participation or practice.
Do not listen to this CD while driving or while engaged in any other
activity. If you would like to have more information or have any
questions you may write to us at info@oshosammasati.org
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Introducing OSHO Bardo to another person
Whenever there is a death, go close, get involved, allow it and let
it happen to you. Feel the heartbeat of a dying friend, a lover or a
beloved. Let that experience become your experience too. Slowly
slowly, knowing death in its many aspects, you will come to recognise
it as a friend, not as an enemy; as a great rest and relaxation.
(Osho: The Razors Edge)
Many who have supported and cared for dying people know how
extraordinary that experience can be. Yet in the face of such a
momentous event there may also be a feeling of impotency.
OSHO Bardo can provide a way for both the person dying, and for
anyone listening with them, to be more present and to feel a sense of
being held in the space of peace.
Before introducing this process to someone else we suggest you
practise it alone first. Then, when it feels appropriate and if they
agree, listen to it with the other person.
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 Acknowledgments
Love and much gratitude to those supporters of OSHO
Sammasati who made this project possible. Special thanks to
Sambodhi Prem for his beautiful and generous contribution.
If you want to share this meditation, and support our work at the
same time, the CD (while stocks last) or the digital version can be
bought from our website

www.oshosammasati.org

If you can transform a death into a moment of
celebration, you have helped your friend, your
mother, your father, your brother, your wife, your
husband. You have given them the greatest
gift that is possible in existence.
(Osho: The Razors Edge)
When somebody disappears into nothing, great energy
is released. The energy that was there, surrounding him,
is released. If you are in a silent space around him you
will go on a great trip. The man is naturally releasing
great energy; if you can absorb that energy you will also
kind of die with him. And you will see the ultimate
the source and the goal, the beginning and the end.
(Osho The Heart Sutra)

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 Maneesha James is co-founder and
co-director of OSHO Sammasati, an
organisation based on Oshos vision of
living and dying consciously. She
practises as a psychotherapist and
meditation facilitator. Deeply involved in
Oshos early experimentations with
meditation, she has written books on meditation and on
the evolution of Oshos work, and has created several
guided meditation CDs. Maneesha is known internationally
as the voice that asks the questions in many of Oshos
public talks. She is co-facilitator of the OSHO Sammasati
workshops and also works individually with those who
have issues related to meditation or to dying.
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Sudheer P. Niet is co-facilitator of the OSHO
Sammasati workshops. Through his many years
of being immersed in Osho meditations and his
work at the Osho International Meditation
Resort in Pune, India, Sudheer has developed a
deep experience and understanding of Oshos
meditation methods. His former work as a
psychiatric and general nurse, along with his work in caring for
close family members and friends during their illness and dying,
has deepened his insights about life and death. Sudheer facilitates
courses in hypnosis and NLP, Vipassana, Zazen, and Osho
Meditative Therapies around the world. He shares his depth of
experience and understanding in many different dimensions, with
people from all walks of life and from diverse cultures.
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The OSHO Sammasati workshops
Please check the calendar on our website to stay updated about
Squeeze the Juice of Life: A joyful celebration of the heights and our current workshops and events and those to come. Join us
depths of living fully on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to our free, online, quarterly
newsletter by visiting
Living with the Inescapable: A gentle introduction to the reality of
our common destiny death www.oshosammasati.org
The Tantra of Living & Dying: Learning the inter-relatedness of life
and death and trusting the space of Tantra one of expansion and Our website is a great source of meditation techniques, articles and
merging other resources for people at all stages of health, ageing, illness and
dying.
An Experiential Enquiry into Death: Set in a retreat-like situation,
this, the most challenging of our workshops, is designed to help
you confront your own mortality
Doing Dying Differently: Addressing the psycho-spiritual and
practical issues that can come up in facing our own dying and in Only in celebration do we meet the ultimate, the eternal. Only in
supporting others celebration do we go beyond the circle of birth and death.
In Rapport: Acquiring basic relating skills, being with the others (Osho I Celebrate Myself. God is Nowhere; Life is Now Here)
and your own changing emotions, and developing a meditative
presence
Grief, Family Dynamics & Caring for the Carer
These important elements centre on how dying impacts those
involved with the dying person

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OSHO The Osho International Meditation Resort
is located in Pune, India, 100 miles south-east of Mumbai. It offers a
full, daily schedule of meditations, courses, workshops and individual
sessions; a spa, an open-air pool, jacuzzi, sauna and tennis courts; a
Media Gallery; accommodation; Living In residential programs; and
world cuisine.

Osho says that he is To learn more about Osho and the Osho International Meditation Resort
helping to create the visit: www.osho.com
conditions for the birth
of a new kind of human
being, called Zorba the
Buddha individuals
who can enjoy all that
life offers as well as the
silent serenity of the
inner reality. One of his most significant contributions to the world
of meditation is the element of celebration the understanding that
everything can and should be celebrated as a gift from existence. He
regards living and dying as a continuum to be experienced in its
totality, with awareness, and as an opportunity to know oneself, to
become self-realised.

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Suggested Reading
The Art of Living and Dying (Pub: Watkins, UK)
a compilation of excerpts from Oshos discourses that includes both
insights and meditative methods for a conscious approach to dying.

And Now And Here: beyond the duality of life & death (Rebel)
From a series of Oshos talks given to a live audience, this book
also contains a guided meditation CD, Relaxing the Bodymind.

Meditation: The First & Last Freedom (St Martins Griffin, NY)
This practical meditation handbook provides an understanding
of what meditation is, and features a wide variety of meditation
techniques created by or made contemporary by Osho.
Compilation of text & Voices: Maneesha James, Sudheer P. Niet
Voice recording: Crookhall, Essex, UK
Design: Shivananda (www.shivananda.ch)
Nature photos: Shivananda (www.shivananda.ch)

Celebrate, dance; let joy fill your heart, let it overflow. And if the ego
dies, let it die. Help it to die because it is not you. You are something
transcendental to body, mind, ego and all. You are part of eternity.
(Osho The Dhammapada: The Way of the Buddha, Volume 6)

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